THE PRIMARIES Each political party goes through a process of selecting a nominee that will represent the party in the general election. Parties hold a primary election in each state to determine that state's choice for the national party nominee. The first stage of a presidential campaign is the nomination campaign. At this time the candidate is competing with other candidates in the same party, hoping to get the party's nomination. The candidate works to win delegates --representatives who pledge to support the candidate's nomination at the national party convention--and to persuade potential voters in general.
Primary Elections vs. Caucuses Primary elections are not held the same way in every state, and there are actually a variety of ways in which the primary elections can work. There are two basic systems: the caucus system and the primary elections. Caucuses and primaries are ways for the general public to take part in nominating presidential candidates
At a caucus, local party members gather to nominate a candidate. A caucus is a lively event at which party leaders and activists debate issues, consider candidates, choose delegates, and discuss the party platform, or statement of principles. The rules governing caucus procedures vary by state and party.
A primary is more like a general election. Voters go to the polls to cast their votes for a presidential candidate (or delegates who will represent that candidate at the party convention). These elections can be either open to all eligible voters in the state or closed only to registered members of the party, depending on the state. Primary elections are the main way for voters to choose a nominee.
Each political party goes through a process of selecting a nominee that will represent the party in the general election. Parties hold a primary election in each state to determine that state's choice for the national party nominee.
The first stage of a presidential campaign is the nomination campaign. At this time the candidate is competing with other candidates in the same party, hoping to get the party's nomination. The candidate works to win delegates --representatives who pledge to support the candidate's nomination at the national party convention--and to persuade potential voters in general.
Primary Elections vs. Caucuses
Primary elections are not held the same way in every state, and there are actually a variety of ways in which the primary elections can work. There are two basic systems: the caucus system and the primary elections. Caucuses and primaries are ways for the general public to take part in nominating presidential candidates
A primary is more like a general election. Voters go to the polls to cast their votes for a presidential candidate (or delegates who will represent that candidate at the party convention). These elections can be either open to all eligible voters in the state or closed only to registered members of the party, depending on the state. Primary elections are the main way for voters to choose a nominee.
Click on this link to see Republican tallies: http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2012/primaries.html